HP updates ultrabook range

HP has introduced a new range of ultrabooks including the high-end HP Envy Spectre XT, the HP Envy Sleekbook and the enterprise HP EliteBook Folio.

"The Ultrabook is quickly becoming the must-have solution for anyone who wants performance, responsiveness and a secure computing experience in a thin, elegant form factor," said HP POC client group boss Kirk Skaugen.

At the top end of HP's new range is the all-metal 13.3-inch Envy Spectre XT, looking like a deadringer for Apple's MacBook Air (so much so their design chief was pressed on the issue). Less than 15mm thick and armed with Intel's Ivy Bridge processors, 128GB SSD drive and 4GB of RAM, the Spectre XT is set to deliver up eight hours of battery life.

The HP Envy ultrabook aims at the more substantial end of the market with larger 14 and 15.6-inch screen sizes. The Envy range can be configured with either Sandy Bridge processors or Ivy Bridge, to fit the customer's budget.

The company also went to the unusual lengths of launching non-ultrabook designs based on AND Fusion APUs, dubbing those devices as HP Envy Sleekbooks. These are also available in the larger screen sizes from 14 to 15.6-inch. Interestingly there's also Intel-powered versions of those SKUs, offering optional discreet graphics.

As you'd expect, HP is outfitting all the notebook with Beats Audio. The Envy Sleekbooks and ultrabook systems also include a subwoofer so that movies and music can "look and sound their best," HP said.

The HP Envy Spectre XT will cost US$1,000 when it launches in the US on the 8th of June. The Envy ultrabooks launched immediately priced at US$750 and US$800 for the 14 and 15-inch versions. The 15-inch version of the HP Envy Sleekbook will go for US$600 and launch towards the end of June.